Post by mitch on Apr 16, 2009 15:56:59 GMT -5
This is a nifty little guide for those of you wondering what exactly is on the inside of a computer. If you're looking to upgrade your system, or find yourself confused by a lot of posts around here, this might be a good thread to skim through.
Most computers contain the same basic Parts, and I'll go over them here.
CPU/Processor
The CPU(Central Processing Unit) is by far the most important part of any computer. It can be viewed as the "brain" controlling nearly every aspect of the machine, and handling the vast majority of calculations. The speed of a CPU is typically measured in Megahertz(MHz) or Gigahertz(GHz), with higher numbers meaning a faster processor. Keep in mind, that 1000MHz = 1GHz, so don't be fooled by that "blazing fast" 800MHz processor!
Hard Drive
Hard Drives are the main data storage unit in a computer. Think of them as "long term" memory, able to store data for years on end if not deleted. The capacity of a hard drive is typically measured in Gigabytes(GB), although some newer drives are now measured in Terabytes(TB), where 1024GB=1TB.
RAM/Memory
Random Access Memory(RAM) is another form of memory storage in a computer. RAM serves as "short term" memory in a computer, able to store data ONLY while the computer is on. Storing data in RAM is much faster than using a hard drive, however it can only serve as temporary storage - RAM is erased every time the computer shuts down. RAM is measured in either Megabytes(MB) or Gigabytes(GB) where 1024MB = 1GB.
Disc Drive
While not essential, most PC's today contain a disc drive. These are used for reading and burning CD's and DVD's and provide an easy way to store and share data.
Network Card
A Network Card is a device which in simple terms, allows one computer to communicate with other computers connected to it. Network Cards are essential for internet access, and take on a few forms. Most network cards utilize Ethernet Cables to connect to other devices, and are built straight into the motherboard of a computer. Other types however, include wireless Network Cards and Fiber-Optic Network Cards.
Power Supply
A Power Supply converts AC power from an outlet into DC current which a computer uses to operate. The amount of power a Power Supply can provide is measured in Watts(W) It is always a good idea to have a power supply which can generate more power than your computer uses - this ensures a good clean flow of energy, cutting down on your electric bill and allowing your computer to last longer.
Graphics/Video Card
The Graphics Card in your computer is responsible for creating everything that you see on the screen. They function in a similar fashion to the CPU, running through heavy duty data calculations. When it comes to gaming, the Graphics Card is by far the most important part of a computer. In most cases, the graphics card is built into the motherboard of a computer, in which case it becomes known as an Integrated Graphics Card There is no defined unit of measurement for the speed of a Graphics Card, anyone interested in figuring out how fast a particular card is should check out the Benchmarks section.
Sound Card
As you can probably guess, the Sound Card is responsible for rendering sound. Similar to the Graphics and Network Cards, the Sound Card in a computer helps to take strain off the CPU by generating all audio output. Most Sound Cards today are built into the Motherboard.
Motherboard
Absolutely impossible to miss. A Motherboard is a giant circuit board inside a PC which every single component is connected to. For the most part, motherboards don't actually process data. Instead, they provide a highway of sorts which the different components in a computer use to communicate.
That's all for now. I'll be sure to add more as time goes on. If anybody has any suggestions/corrections to make, throw me an email at Mitch@Comptechllc.com.
Basic Hardware Overview
Most computers contain the same basic Parts, and I'll go over them here.
CPU/Processor
The CPU(Central Processing Unit) is by far the most important part of any computer. It can be viewed as the "brain" controlling nearly every aspect of the machine, and handling the vast majority of calculations. The speed of a CPU is typically measured in Megahertz(MHz) or Gigahertz(GHz), with higher numbers meaning a faster processor. Keep in mind, that 1000MHz = 1GHz, so don't be fooled by that "blazing fast" 800MHz processor!
Hard Drive
Hard Drives are the main data storage unit in a computer. Think of them as "long term" memory, able to store data for years on end if not deleted. The capacity of a hard drive is typically measured in Gigabytes(GB), although some newer drives are now measured in Terabytes(TB), where 1024GB=1TB.
RAM/Memory
Random Access Memory(RAM) is another form of memory storage in a computer. RAM serves as "short term" memory in a computer, able to store data ONLY while the computer is on. Storing data in RAM is much faster than using a hard drive, however it can only serve as temporary storage - RAM is erased every time the computer shuts down. RAM is measured in either Megabytes(MB) or Gigabytes(GB) where 1024MB = 1GB.
Disc Drive
While not essential, most PC's today contain a disc drive. These are used for reading and burning CD's and DVD's and provide an easy way to store and share data.
Network Card
A Network Card is a device which in simple terms, allows one computer to communicate with other computers connected to it. Network Cards are essential for internet access, and take on a few forms. Most network cards utilize Ethernet Cables to connect to other devices, and are built straight into the motherboard of a computer. Other types however, include wireless Network Cards and Fiber-Optic Network Cards.
Power Supply
A Power Supply converts AC power from an outlet into DC current which a computer uses to operate. The amount of power a Power Supply can provide is measured in Watts(W) It is always a good idea to have a power supply which can generate more power than your computer uses - this ensures a good clean flow of energy, cutting down on your electric bill and allowing your computer to last longer.
Graphics/Video Card
The Graphics Card in your computer is responsible for creating everything that you see on the screen. They function in a similar fashion to the CPU, running through heavy duty data calculations. When it comes to gaming, the Graphics Card is by far the most important part of a computer. In most cases, the graphics card is built into the motherboard of a computer, in which case it becomes known as an Integrated Graphics Card There is no defined unit of measurement for the speed of a Graphics Card, anyone interested in figuring out how fast a particular card is should check out the Benchmarks section.
Sound Card
As you can probably guess, the Sound Card is responsible for rendering sound. Similar to the Graphics and Network Cards, the Sound Card in a computer helps to take strain off the CPU by generating all audio output. Most Sound Cards today are built into the Motherboard.
Motherboard
Absolutely impossible to miss. A Motherboard is a giant circuit board inside a PC which every single component is connected to. For the most part, motherboards don't actually process data. Instead, they provide a highway of sorts which the different components in a computer use to communicate.
That's all for now. I'll be sure to add more as time goes on. If anybody has any suggestions/corrections to make, throw me an email at Mitch@Comptechllc.com.
